'Dream Come True' For Whitten

Four months ago Ian Whitten made a try-scoring senior debut for Ulster, slotting in at inside centre alongside former All Black Paul Steinmetz. This week he is on the cusp on making his Ireland senior bow having flown out with Declan Kidney's summer tour squad to Vancouver.

The 21-year-old Ian Whitten was admittedly taken aback when learning of his call-up for Ireland's summer tour to Canada and the USA.

Claiming the 'AN Other' spot in the 25-man squad named by Declan Kidney, Whitten got a telephone call last Monday to confirm his tour place, with his Ulster team-mate Paddy Wallace ruled out of the tour on medical advice.

The Ulster Academy member, who has played eight times for the province's senior team this season, is aiming to make the most of this unexpected opportunity in the Ireland set-up.

"It was great to have made the jump from the Academy to the seniors this season. At the beginning of the season, I would never have dreamt of being selected for so many games," he admitted.

"Now to receive a call-up for an Irish tour, it's a dream come true. The whole experience is so unexpected.

"I am just thrilled to be playing rugby at such a high standard, and to be given the chance to play at touring level with players such as Rory Best, Peter Stringer and Denis Leamy."

Whitten, a former underage international and captain of Queen's University, is a powerfully-built centre who has dovetailed well with fellow tourist Darren Cave in Ulster's midfield.

The playing squad, Declan Kidney and his coaching staff and team officials flew from Dublin to Vancouver via Heathrow on Sunday, ahead of next Saturday's tour opener against Canada at the Thunderbird Stadium (2pm local time/10pm Irish time).

The players had their first training session on Monday at a local school, with Tuesday's team announcement for the Canada game scheduled for 1.30pm local time/9.30pm Irish time.

Unfortunately, Whitten's Ballymena and Ulster colleague Chris Henry has emerged as a serious doubt for the tour.

One of 13 uncapped players named in Kidney's touring party, back rower Henry suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury in Ulster's Magners League loss to the Scarlets over the weekend.

The 24-year-old, a former captain of the Ulster and Ireland Schools sides, has enjoyed a whirlwind campaign in Matt Williams' Ulster squad.

He made his senior debut for the province against Harlequins in January and has since racked up ten caps.

Commenting on the injury, Ulster boss Williams said: "Chris is in real pain after hurting the AC joint in his shoulder. He picked up the injury initially against Harlequins and has taken another bang on it.

"He is a doubt for the tour which is disappointing.

"It would have been great for Chris to get some caps under his belt because he would have learnt so much about the intensity and mental aspects of playing at that level.

"Chris will still go and meet up with the squad and we'll let the medical team make the final decision."

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.